After completing the trail and turning back, you can go down to the lookout, the terrace from which you can admire one of the most famous beaches of the Calabrian coast. On the promontory there’s a lighthouse, near which was scored a short footpath, steeply over the sea, nestled among the prickly pears, which allows you to enjoy breathtaking scenery with views over the coast and the Aeolian Islands.
#Capo vaticano series#
The high rocky walls create an infinite series of caves, beaches reachable only by sea, granite and limestone cliffs, all surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, which has made this enchanted place an naturalistic oasis, important stopover point and nesting area for many species of birds. After the visit of the Cathedral, between narrow alleys and flower-filled courtyards, we reach the viewpoints of Largo Migliarese first and of Largo Villetta after, that offer unexpected splendid panoramas of the beach below and of the Aeolian Islands.Ībout 7 km south of Tropea, in the municipality of Ricadi, there’s Capo Vaticano, the westernmost promontory of Mount Poro, sloping down to the sea with cliffs and terraces and characterized, in some places, by vertiginous walls overlooking the sea. This part of the country is all untamed coasts, traditional food, and rambling vineyards.
Hercules Square), the heart of the city from here, along via Roma, we head to the Cathedral of Norman style, dated between the late twelfth and early thirteenth century, which preserves the beautiful icon of “Our Lady of Romania”, coming from the Byzantine East. Holidays to Capo Vaticano take you to an Italy less travelled. Michele and, through Corso Vittorio Emanuele III, leads us to Piazza Ercole (i.e. Our walk in the Old Town starts from Largo S. But the biggest surprise are the viewpoints overlooking the sea, the so-called “affaccio”, real balconies opened amongst the dense buildings with breathtaking views of the coast below! Passing through the centre on foot is an endless discovery: narrow alleys with majestic baroque portals, unexpected squares, churches, fountains, courtyards, palaces with coats of arms and ornate balconies. The charming historic centre of Tropea, built on a compact sandstone block perpendicular to the coast, about 60 m above sea level, has maintained the urban layout of the Middle Ages and retains many ancient buildings dating back to XVII-XVIII centuries. It is in fact one of the most beautiful coastlines of the region, rich in flourishing gardens and ancient olive groves, featured by green hills rich in spring waters, where survives a deep-rooted farming traditions and is cultivated the red onion of Tropea, famous throughout the world for its sweetness, renowned IGT product (Typical Geographical Indication). To finish the tour visit the small church of Piedigrotta, entirely carved into the tufa rock by the beach.Symbol of tourism in Calabria, Tropea and Capo Vaticano are located along the so-called “Coast of the Gods”, the central-southern Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, in the province of Vibo Valentia, on the slopes of Mount Poro.Īncient fortress-town rich in a millenary history, the town of Tropea and the nearby resort of Capo Vaticano in Ricadi attract today tourists mainly for the beautiful sea, with fantastic beaches that alternate with charming cliffs. The last addition to the castle is a cylindrical tower built in memory of Joachim Murat who was first imprisoned in the castle and then shot.
The town is worth a visit thanks to its streets that offer pleasant views as well as the chance to admire monuments of the Baroque period such as the Chiesa Matrice di San Giorgio and the Murat Castle of Pizzo. Pizzo is a hamlet of medieval origin, included within the Costa degli Dei. During the summer, it is also the centre of folkloristic events, patronal festivals and the Tropea Blues. The beaches need no introduction the most famous are the Spiaggia del Cannone and the Spiaggia della Rotonda, real unspoilt stretches of water.
#Capo vaticano full#
It is fitted with a rocky profile that slopes down to the sea and a historical centre full of interesting sights. Tropea is another wonderful location just a few kilometres from Capo Vaticano.